CAA Statutory Charges Consultation 2027 - 2028

Overview

This consultation document sets out the UK Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) proposals for changes to its statutory charges from 1 April 2027. These charges fund the delivery of the CAA's statutory responsibilities, including aviation safety, security, consumer protection, economic regulation and support for innovation across the UK aviation sector.

The proposals for 2027/28 have been developed in response to a changing aviation environment, including continuing passenger growth, implementation of new legislative responsibilities, increasing regulatory complexity and the need to maintain the specialist capability required to regulate an evolving aviation system effectively.

The proposed changes include:

• A CPIH-linked uplift to help maintain existing regulatory services and capability.
• Targeted investment in areas such as legislative reform and UK rulemaking, consumer protection, airworthiness capability, safety oversight, aviation security and ground handling oversight.
• Continued modernisation of regulatory services and charging arrangements to improve transparency, efficiency and customer experience.
• Further reforms to simplify charging structures and improve alignment between regulatory activity and cost recovery.

The CAA has sought to balance these investment requirements with affordability considerations. Funding proposals have been subject to extensive challenge and prioritisation, with costs absorbed, deferred or reprioritised where possible to minimise impacts on charge-payers while continuing to support effective regulation.

We are seeking feedback on these proposals to help ensure that the charging framework remains fair, transparent and fit for purpose. Please submit your responses through this consultation site to enable us to review and consider your feedback efficiently.

The consultation is open for a six-week period and closes at midnight on 21 December 2026.

Following the consultation period, we will review all responses received and publish a consultation response document setting out our final decisions and any changes made as a result of stakeholder feedback. Subject to approval, the revised Schemes of Charges will take effect from 1 April 2027.

Why your views matter

We encourage all stakeholders to participate in this consultation, as your feedback is an important part of ensuring that the CAA's charging framework remains fair, transparent and proportionate.

The proposals for 2027/28 have been developed to support the CAA's statutory responsibilities in a rapidly evolving aviation environment. They reflect the need to maintain core regulatory services, respond to new and emerging requirements, strengthen specialist capability, and support areas such as safety, security, consumer protection, legislative reform and innovation.

By taking part in this consultation, you can help shape how regulatory activities are funded, provide views on the proposed changes to charges and charging structures, and ensure that the CAA continues to deliver effective regulation while providing value for money for industry and the travelling public.

Your feedback will help us assess the impact of the proposals, understand stakeholder priorities, and ensure that the final Schemes of Charges strike an appropriate balance between affordability, transparency and the resources needed to deliver our regulatory functions effectively.